democracy

Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says he would support a ban on political gatherings if one is imposed for the Sarawak election.

He says Malaysia is a country that upholds democratic principles.

The administration of Prayut Chan-O-Cha has increasingly come under fire due to its handling of the pandemic.

The decision comes after police froze accounts and arrested staff using a new national security law.

Dozens of prominent activists have been arrested since the national security law was introduced last year.

Authorities have warned in recent days that the subversion clause of a powerful new security law imposed on Hong Kong could be used against those marking the Tiananmen anniversary.

The verdict was the latest blow to the increasingly cowed democracy movement as the Hong Kong and Beijing governments tighten their grip.

On Sunday, nearly 100 demonstrators were detained on the grounds of breaching public health measures against the coronavirus.

The forum will also feature several prominent Pakatan Harapan politicians including Anwar Ibrahim although Najib Razak will have the last word.

Concerns have as much to do with the ex-PM's involvement in a forum on democracy, as with the organiser's background.

Legislation to vet all election candidates in Hong Kong is currently being discussed by China's rubber-stamp parliament and is expected to be adopted on Thursday.

Bail is unlikely and the charges carry a maximum term of life imprisonment.